Lure-size Restrictions in Recreational Fisheries

Abstract

We conducted angling experiments to examine the potential use of lure-size restrictions to effect or reinforce length limits. We used four sizes of lures and five color patterns to assess effects of lure size and color on the number and length of largemouth bass (Micropterussalmoides) captured by angling. There was a significant (F = 12.03; df 1, 177; P = 0.0007) lure-size effect on the total length (TL) of captured largemouth bass. Catch rates of fish ≥305-mm TL ranged from 0 to 0.5 fish per hour and were unrelated to lure size. Lure color pattern had no effect on length of fish captured (F = 1.44; df = 4, 230; P = 0.2320). Angling experiments and results from angling simulations suggest lure-size restrictions can be used to indirectly effect or reinforce minimum-length limits and provide managers with a means to reduce catch of nontarget-size fish.